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28 February 2013 at 4:45pm

Sports Direct buys Republic stores

The future of high street fashion retailer Republic has been secured and 2,100 jobs saved after Sports Direct International bought the chain from administrators, snapping up 116 shops and stock, along with Republic's head office in Leeds, its websites and brands SoulCal, Fabric and Crafted.

The Sports World group was founded by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.

The undisclosed deal comes after administrators Ernst & Young closed five Republic shops in Scotland on Tuesday, with the loss of 105 jobs, and axed another 150 jobs at its head office in Leeds.

Republic collapsed into administration earlier this month after being hit by sliding sales.